Provides for the reallocation of certain funds from the Feliciana Juvenile Justice District to the district attorney for the Twentieth Judicial District (EN NO IMPACT LF RV See Note)
Impact
The bill intends to improve the financial structure supporting juvenile justice initiatives by clarifying the distribution of funds from these court costs. This reallocation is expected to bolster programs that address substance abuse among youth, thereby contributing to public safety and community health. Local district attorneys will play a key role in distributing these funds to various awareness programs, reinforcing their responsibility in juvenile justice matters and providing better oversight of how funds are used.
Summary
House Bill 106 primarily focuses on the reallocation of certain funds within the Feliciana Juvenile Justice District. This bill amends existing Louisiana law to direct special court costs imposed in felony and misdemeanor prosecutions to be used exclusively for funding juvenile detention facilities and drug and alcohol awareness programs. Specifically, the bill mandates that a five-dollar special court cost is assessed against defendants convicted or who plead guilty in relevant courts, with the intention of ensuring that funds are used effectively in local programs aimed at juvenile rehabilitation.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HB 106 appears to be generally supportive, with a consensus on the importance of funding programs that can positively influence juvenile behavior and provide much-needed resources in the community. With no opposing votes noted during its final passage, it reflects a collaborative effort to enhance juvenile justice in the Twentieth Judicial District. Lawmakers seem to recognize the value of addressing juvenile issues proactively through education and awareness initiatives.
Contention
One notable point of discussion regarding HB 106 may involve the details of how the funds are allocated and managed by the district attorney's office. While the law aims to streamline financial processes for supporting juvenile programs, questions about accountability and transparency in fund management could arise. Ensuring that these funds are effectively used for their intended purposes will be crucial to the bill's success and to maintaining public trust in the juvenile justice system.
Provides relative to the assessment, collection, and distribution of certain court costs and fees in the parish of Orleans (EN NO IMPACT LF RV See Note)
Creates a Juvenile Justice District to include the parishes of Ascension, Assumption, St. Charles, St. James, and St. John the Baptist (EN SEE FISC NOTE LF EX See Note)
Provides relative to the collection and distribution of court costs by the clerk of court for the Nineteenth Judicial District (EG SEE FISC NOTE LF EX)
Excludes retired district attorneys and retired assistant district attorneys from prosecution for the illegal carrying of weapons in certain circumstances (EN NO IMPACT GF EX See Note)